CVE-2018-25171 in EdTv
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
EdTv 2 contains an SQL injection vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries by injecting malicious code through the 'id' parameter. Attackers can send GET requests to the admin/edit_source endpoint with crafted SQL UNION statements to extract database information including schema names, user credentials, and version details.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25171 resides within EdTv 2 software, representing a critical SQL injection flaw that fundamentally compromises database security. This vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the 'id' parameter within the admin/edit_source endpoint, creating an attack surface that enables unauthenticated adversaries to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper parameterization in database query construction, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code directly into the application's query execution flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows standard SQL injection patterns where the application fails to sanitize user input before incorporating it into database queries. When an attacker submits a GET request to the admin/edit_source endpoint with a crafted 'id' parameter containing SQL UNION statements, the application processes this input without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. This processing allows the malicious SQL code to execute within the database context, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms and granting attackers unauthorized access to database operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the application's administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous as it provides access to sensitive administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data extraction to encompass full database compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract comprehensive database information including schema names, user credentials, and version details, which collectively provide attackers with sufficient information to plan further attacks. The ability to perform UNION-based SQL injection attacks enables extraction of data from multiple tables simultaneously, potentially exposing sensitive user information, administrative credentials, and system configuration details. This vulnerability effectively transforms the application from a legitimate content management tool into an attack vector for broader system compromise, as the extracted database information can be used for lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses in software applications. This classification emphasizes the fundamental flaw in input handling and query construction that allows attackers to manipulate database operations through user-supplied input. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple techniques including T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities and T1078 for valid accounts usage, as attackers can potentially obtain administrative credentials through database extraction. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk for data integrity and confidentiality, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive information that could be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized queries. Organizations should immediately implement input sanitization measures that validate and escape all user-supplied data before incorporating it into database operations. The recommended approach involves using prepared statements or parameterized queries to ensure that user input cannot alter the structure of SQL commands. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for administrative endpoints can limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, while keeping the software updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.